Simmons mentions in the article the possibility of teaming up Love, Rondo and Carmelo Anthony, but Jones and Keefe won’t entertain that because Melo isn’t coming to Boston. But a deal of Jared Sullinger, Brandon Bass, Keith Bogans’ contract and three first round picks should be enough to get Love from Minnesota and still leave Ainge with the assets to make another move.

“The wealth of picks, the fact they could have 10 first round picks in the next five years, allows you to trade three or four of them away and you’re [still in pretty good shape],” said Keefe.

“Instead of starting over, which I still think is the best plan – trade Rondo for assets and start there — if you could get Kevin Love here in a deal like that, that’s a no brainer,” said Jones. “He goes with your theory Keefe where Rondo is your Paul Pierce and Love is your Ray Allen. Would Love attract another star to Boston? Maybe.”

“It also makes your decision with Rondo much easier,” said Keefe. “Even with the birthday party business, I still feel the exact way: you either have to bring in Kevin Love or someone comparable to that. He might be the only one where this scenario plays out. Or, as sad as it would be for me to see him go, you have to say goodbye to Rondo and get as many assets as you can. It’d be another year or two until you’re contending, but you’re just piling up all these assets.”